With revelations that critical infrastructure in the United States has been under sustained attack, likely perpetrated by Russia, it's easy to forget that we're not merely a victim amid the waves of repeated cyberattacks.
As the online world has grown to include sensitive information and the ability to control everything from power grids to airplanes, the U.S. is an active participant in a full-scale cyberwar with some of the most powerful governments in the world. This weekend's revelation about a sophisticated cyber-espionage program with possible ties to the U.S. is just another reminder of how extensive government spy programs have become and how important they are online and off.
Researchers at Symantec revealed the discovery of a wide-reaching program, called Regin, that let intruders spy on computers and telecommunications networks. The malicious software mostly targeted individuals via Internet service providers, as well as telecom traffic and hospitality companies. Once deployed, Regin let the intruders steal information, observe movements and record telecom activity.